University chooses cowardice in row over race tsar Tony Sewell | Comment

Who is afraid of Tony Sewell, the author of a government report on race that concluded Britain was not institutionally racist? Running scared are those in charge of Nottingham University, which has backtracked on the offer of an honorary degree to Sewell because he has become the subject of “political controversy”. Weasel words covering a volte-face that is as patronizing as it is spineless.

The university’s offer was made in late 2019, before the publication of Sewell’s race report. What changed? The hostility to his findings from some race and equalities lobby groups and campaigners. The university clearly cannot stomach the risk of courting trouble from the same critics for “honoring” Sewell.

This political cowardice is risible enough. Worse is for the authorities to